Meet Mike Perry, the Councillor-Elect of Ward 3!

1. Introduce yourself! We would love to know more about you, your connection to Ward 3, and why you wanted to run for council.

I live in Fenelon with my kids Abigail and Gabe. My wonderful late parents, Mary and Doug Perry, lived in town too. I grew up here. This is home. So the reason I ran for Council is really quite simple: to help people, make our communities better, and serve us at City Hall now.

2. How do you plan to include the residents of Ward 3 in the decision-making process at council?

Inclusion is key. I always work to include people. A few ways will be through my: having regular office hours as Councillor; holding public meetings on issues in our different Ward 3 communities; and returning phone calls and emails promptly. I am always open to more suggestions.

3. When you hear the term community engagement, what do you think of?

"Co-development" beyond simple consultations and input. We get together and come to solutions to issues together first at the local community level. I see one of my roles as Councillor is then to go to bat with the City to implement. I am learning a lot about co-development from my day job with the Métis National Council.

4. Before being elected to City Council, what was your experience working with government as a resident and advocate?

Good question. I spent about a decade working in government in Ottawa in my past life before coming home. Building up and leading the family health team locally, I worked with the provincial government to get us more healthcare workers and keeping the blood labs open, for example. I have worked with Council on many things here from doctor recruitment to creating the Community Foundation (which has helped people in Ward 3) and from poverty reduction to rural transportation outside Lindsay. I have learned a lot and have lots of ropes still to learn as our new rookie Councillor.

5. What inspires you?

Other people. People's stories and accomplishments large and small.

6. What was the most meaningful part of the campaign process for you?

Knocking on doors. I love talking with people, hearing their issues and ideas, spending some time chatting, and building relationships. The team was always wanting me to hurry up at the doorstep, but to me that is why we campaign and the best part.